Obstetrics | Define Obstetrics at Dictionary.com obstetrics noun, (used with a singular verb) 1. the branch of medical science concerned with childbirth and caring for and treating women in or in connection with childbirth. Abbreviation: OB, ob. Examples from the Web for obstetrics Expand Historical Examples His professorship included obstetrics as well as Surgery, and his practice in this department was exceptionally large. Robert Browning G. K. Chesterton British Dictionary definitions for obstetrics Expand noun 1. (functioning as sing) the branch of medicine concerned with childbirth and the treatment of women before and after childbirth Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for obstetrics Expand "science of midwifery," 1819, from obstetric (adj.); also see -ics .

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Pre-natal - definition of Pre-natal by The Free Dictionary Pre-natal - definition of Pre-natal by The Free Dictionary Related to Pre-natal: Prenatal development ob·stet·rics (ŏb-stĕt′rĭks, əb-) n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The branch of medicine that deals with the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the recuperative period following delivery. obstetrics (ɒbˈstɛtrɪks) n (Gynaecology & Obstetrics) (functioning as singular) the branch of medicine concerned with childbirth and the treatment of women before and after childbirth ob•stet•rics (əbˈstɛ trɪks) n. (used with a sing. v.) the branch of medical science concerned with childbirth and caring for and treating women in or in connection with childbirth. [1810–20] The branch of medicine that deals with the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth. obstetrics the branch of medicine that deals with prenatal and postnatal care and with the delivery of a child. — obstetrician, n.

— obstetric, obstetrical, adj. See also: Birth the branch of medicine that specializes in care of women before, during and after childbirth. — obstetrician, n. — obstetric, obstetrical, adj.

midwifery , tocology , OB induction of labor - (obstetrics) inducing the childbirth process artificially by administering oxytocin or by puncturing the amniotic sac presentation - (obstetrics) position of the fetus in the uterus relative to the birth canal; "Cesarean sections are sometimes the result of abnormal presentations" incompetent cervix - (obstetrics) uterine cervix that becomes dilated before term and without labor often resulting in miscarriage or premature birth medical specialty , medicine - the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques fetology , foetology - the branch of medicine concerned with the fetus in the uterus perinatology - the branch of obstetrics concerned with the anatomy and physiology and diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the mother and the fetus or newborn baby during late pregnancy and childbirth and the puerperium nullipara - (obstetrics) a woman who has never give birth to a child gravida I , primigravida - (obstetrics) a woman who is pregnant for the first time para I , primipara - (obstetrics) woman who has been delivered of a child for the first time quadripara - (obstetrics) woman who has given

 birth to a viable infant in each of four pregnancies quintipara - (obstetrics) woman who has given birth to a viable infant in each of five pregnancies para , parity - (obstetrics) the number of liveborn children a woman has delivered; "the parity of the mother must be considered"; "a bipara is a woman who has given birth to two children" Translations Branches of medicine | Medicine branches | Medicine | Medical Schools Branches of Medicine Medical schools » Medicine » Branches of medicine Branches of medicine Medicine as a career has a variety of specializations; but focusing in the branches with more demand that help you as a future doctor to define your specialty, the list is as follow.

Consider that depend of your country, some of the branches of medicine could get a difference in the names. In this sense we make a reference to the main branches offered in the majority of countries. Basic sciences In general the basic sciences are related to the study and to the training; receive by every student as a part of their medicine career. Anatomy is the branch of medicine and biology which is concerned with the shape and structure of body and the relationship of its organs. Also related to morphology of animals and plants. Biochemistry is the branch of chemistry studying the chemical behavior in living systems. It also applied to dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacology in which a biochemist could investigate a drug action. Biostatistics, also referred as a biometry, it is the use of statistical tests to analyze biological data and the interpretation of its results. Cytology or cell biology is the branch of science life that deals with the structure, composition, function of cells, and also the interaction between them in an environment in which they exists. Embryology is the branch of biology that studies the formation and early development of living organisms, from the ovum´s fertilization to the fetus stage.

Endocrinology is the branch of medicine and biology related to the specific secretions called hormones and their effect of the endocrine organs which include thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, pancreas and testes. Epidemiology is the study of the occurrence, distribution, and control of diseases in populations within public health, causes by a virus, bacteria or some other factor. Genetics is part of the biology and concern the study of genes, heredity and their effects on inheritance of specific traits and on other biological processes. Histology is the branch of medicine and biology that study the microscopic structure of cells and tissues under a light microscope. Immunology considered as the main branch of medical science that deals with all mechanics physiological of the biological integral defense of all organisms, called the immune system. Microbiology is the science that studies microscopic organisms, specifically for them which are under the power of human eye. Molecular biology is the branch of biology and chemistry and deals with the study molecular of the process developed in the organisms. Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. Actually is part of chemistry, engineering, mathematics, philosophy and psychology fields. Nutrition is the study of dietary requirements for people.

Know the composition of food will help to prevent health problems. Pathology is the study of disease, its causes, mechanisms and effects on the organisms. Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their origin, nature, properties and effects upon living organisms. Is related to biological effects causes by drugs on organisms. Physiology is the branch of medicine and closely related to the anatomy, physiology deals with the activities and processes of living organisms, as well as mechanical and physical functions. Toxicology is closely related to medicine, chemistry and biology, basically is the study of the nature, effects and detection of poisons and the treatment of poisoning. Medical Specialties Once students have concluded the medical school is common that they want to reinforce their studies following a specialty of medicine inside surgical, internal medicine, diagnostic or clinical specialties. Consider these common specialties around world-wide to take a final decision. Diagnostic Specialties These specialties are generally take place inside a clinical laboratory, where investigation and screening procedures are realized also taking a count transfusion and the cell therapy. Allergology concern the study of allergies and hypersensitivity disorder on immunology system. Angiology is the study of circulatory and lymphatic system, their arteries, vases, veins and its diseases.

Cardiology deals with the disorders of the heart as a subspecialty of internal medicine and at the same time it is divided in congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease and electrophysiology. Cellular pathology is the study of cellular alterations in disease. Clinical chemistry is related with diagnosis by making biochemical analysis of blood, body fluids and tissues. Clinical microbiology is concerned with the in vitro diagnosis of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Clinical immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms. Endocrinology as a subspecialty of internal medicine concern the diagnostic and treat of endocrine organs. Gastroenterology is part of internal medicine and comprises the study of gastrointestinal tract whereby the digestive system, diseases and treatments. Hematology is the study of blood diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Interventional radiology is an area of specialty within the field of radiology which uses various radiological techniques. Nephrology is a branch of the internal medicine and study the function of kidney, treatments and disease that include dialysis and renal transplant.

Nuclear Medicine is a branch of medicine specializing within the field of radiology in the use of radionuclides for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Ophtalmology is dealing with disorders and surgery of the visual pathways closely related to anatomy, physiology of the eye. Paediatrics or pediatrics deals with the health care of children to adolescents´ average to 18 years old. Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is a branch of internal medicine and it concerns all operations in order to restore parts of body to look normal. Transfusion medicine is related with the transfusion of blood and blood component, as well as the maintenance of a "blood bank". Urology is inside surgical and internal specialty and are closely related to the nephrology, it study the diseases of the male reproductive system and the urinary tract. Clinical Specialties As a part of medical specialties we can mention the main specialties considered world-wide. Anesthesiology (AE) or anaesthesia (BE) an anesthesiologist administers anesthesia and monitors patients under anesthesia during surgery and other medical procedures. Dermatology is the branch of medicine and the unique specialty that join medical and surgery specialties. It deals with diseases and disorders of the skin and its appendages.

Emergency medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with care and treatment of a condition resulting from an accident or other urgent need. Hospital medicine is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Doctors whose principal professional focus is hospital medicine are called hospitalists. Internal medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of many medical conditions for adult people. Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine that believes in the body's natural healing forces. Neurology is the branch of science that deals with the structure, functioning and diseases of the nervous system. Obstetrics and gynecology (often abbreviated as Ob/Gyn) is the field of medicine devoted to conditions specific to women. Palliative care is an approach to life-threatening chronic illnesses, especially at the end of life. Interdisciplinary fields The interdisciplinary fields include sub-specialties of medicine. Consider the list below. Aviation medicine applies medical knowledge to human activities to prevent diseases in pilots and aircrews as patients, in the aviation field. Bioethics is the branch of ethics that studies moral values in the biomedical sciences. Biomedical Engineering is a field that deals with the application of engineering principles to medical practice.

Clinical pharmacology is a field of medicine that studies the effects of drugs on people. Conservation medicine is the study the connection between human and animal health, and environmental conditions. Diving medicine (or hyperbaric medicine) is the avoidance and treatment of diving-related problems. Forensic medicine is the branch of medical science that uses medical knowledge for legal purposes. Keraunomedicine is a division of medical study pertaining to lightning injuries. Medical informatics, medical computer science, medical information and eHealth are moderately recent fields that deal with the application of computers and information technology to medicine. Nosology is the branch of medical science dealing with the classification of disease. Pharmacogenomics is the study of genetic variation underlying differential response to drugs. Sports medicine deals with the treatment and preventive care of athletes, amateur and professional Therapeutics is the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of disease. Travel medicine or emporiatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention and management of health problems of international. Glossary of Pregnancy Words next ► Glossary of Pregnancy Words We are often asked what certain words that relate to pregnancy and childbirth mean, so we've compiled a glossary of the most common pregnancy terms.

Tip - To find a word or phrase on a page, hold down the Control (Ctrl) and hit F key at the same time. A Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) - Debilitating illness that affects the body's ability to respond to infection. Caused by the human immune deficiency virus (HIV). Aerobic exercise - Exercise that increases your heart rate and causes you to consume oxygen. Afterbirth - See placenta. Albuminuria - See proteinuria. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) - Substance produced by the unborn baby as it grows inside the uterus. Large amounts of AFP are found in amniotic fluid. Larger-than-normal amounts are found in the mother's bloodstream if neural-tube defects are present in the fetus; smaller-than-normal amounts may indicate Down syndrome. Amino acids - Substances that act as building blocks in the developing embryo and fetus. Amniocentesis - Removal of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac. Fluid is tested for some genetic defects. Amnion - Membrane around the fetus. It surrounds the amniotic cavity. Amniotic fluid - Liquid surrounding the baby inside the amniotic sac. Amniotic sac - Sac that surrounds baby inside the uterus.

It contains the baby, the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Anemia - Any condition in which the number of red blood cells is less than normal. Term usually applies to the concentration of the oxygen-transporting material in the blood, which are the red blood cells. Anencephaly - Defective development of the brain combined with the absence of the bones normally surrounding the brain. Anti-inflammatory medications - Drugs to relieve pain and inflammation. Apgar score - Measurement of a baby's response to birth and life outside the uterus. Taken 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. Areola - Pigmented or colored ring surrounding the nipple of the breast. Arrhythmia - Irregular or missed heartbeat. Aspiration - Swallowing or sucking a foreign body or fluid, such as vomit, into an airway. Asthma - Disease marked by recurrent attacks of shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Often caused by an allergic reaction. Autoantibodies - Antibodies that attack parts of your body or your own tissues. B Back labor - Pain of labor felt in lower back. Beta-adrenergics - Substances that interfere with transmission of stimuli. They affect the autonomic nervous system.

During pregnancy, they can be used to stop labor. Bilirubin - Breakdown product of pigment formed in the liver from hemoglobin during the destruction of red blood cells. Biophysical profile - Method of evaluating a fetus before birth. Biopsy - Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic study. Birthing center - Facility in which a woman labors, delivers and recovers in the same room. It may be part of a hospital, or it may be a freestanding unit. Bloody show - Small amount of vaginal bleeding late in pregnancy; often precedes labor. Board certification - Doctor has had additional training and testing in a particular specialty. In the area of obstetrics, the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers this training. Certification requires expertise in care of a pregnant woman and gynecological surgery. Braxton-Hicks contractions - Irregular, painless tightening of uterus during pregnancy. Breech presentation - Baby's buttocks or legs come into the birth canal before the head. C Carcinogen - Any cancer-producing substance. Cataract, congenital - Cloudiness of the eye lens present at birth.

Cesarean section (delivery) - Delivery of a baby through an abdominal incision rather than through the vagina. Chadwick's sign - Dark-blue or purple discoloration of the mucosa of the vagina and cervix during pregnancy. Chemotherapy - Treatment of disease by chemical substances or drugs. Chlamydia - Sexually transmitted venereal infection. Chloasma - Extensive brown patches of irregular shape and size on the face or other parts of the body. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) - Diagnostic test done early in pregnancy. A biopsy of tissue is taken from inside the uterus through the abdomen or the cervical opening (through the vagina) to determine abnormalities of pregnancy. Colostrum - Thin, yellow fluid that is the first milk to come from the breast. Most often seen toward the end of pregnancy. It is different in content from milk produced later during nursing. Condyloma acuminatum - Skin tags or warts that are sexually transmitted. Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). AIso called venereal warts. Congenital problem - Problem present at birth. Constipation - Bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete.

Contraction stress test (CST) - Response of fetus to uterine contractions to evaluate fetal well-being. Crown-to-rump length - Measurement from the top of the baby's head (crown) to the buttocks of the baby (rump), Cystitis - Inflammation of the bladder. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection - Infection caused by any of a group of viruses from the herpes virus family. D D&C (dilatation and curettage) - Surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated, the lining of the uterus is scraped, and the uterine cavity is emptied. Developmental delay - Condition in which the development of the baby or child is slower than normal. Diabetes, pregnancy-induced - See gestational diabetes Diastasis recti - Separation of abdominal muscles. Dilatation - Expansion of an organ or vessel. Also, dilation. Dizygotic twins - Twins derived from two different eggs. Often called fraternal twins. Down syndrome - Condition in which baby is born mentally retarded and with a generally dwarfed appearance, including a sloping forehead, short, broad hands, a flat nose and low-set ears.

Dysplasia - Abnormal, precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix. Dysuria - Difficulty or pain urinating. E Eclampsia - Convulsions and coma in a woman with pre-eclampsia. Not related to epilepsy. Ectopic pregnancy - Pregnancy that occurs outside the uterine cavity. Edema - Swelling of the feet or legs due to water retention, Effacement - Thinning of cervix. Electronic fetal monitoring - Use of electronic instruments to record the fetal heartbeat and the mother's contractions. Embryo - Organism in the early stages of development. Embryonic period - First 10 weeks of gestation (8 weeks of fetal development). Endometrium - Mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterine wall. Enema - Fluid injected into the rectum for the purpose of clearing out the bowel. Engorgement - Congested; filled with fluid. Epidural block - Type of regional anesthesia. Medication is injected into the epidural space during labor or for some types of surgery. Episiotomy - Surgical incision of the area behind the vagina and above the rectum.

Used during delivery to avoid tearing of the vaginal opening and rectum. External cephalic version (ECV) - Procedure done late in pregnancy in which doctor manually attempts to move a baby from the breech position into the normal head-down position. F Face presentation - Situation in which baby comes into the birth canal face-first. Fallopian tube - Tube that leads from the cavity of the uterus to the area of the ovary. Also called uterine tube. False labor - Tightening of uterus without dilation or thinning of the cervix. Fasting blood sugar - Blood test to evaluate the amount of sugar in the blood following a period of fasting. Ferrous gluconate - Iron supplement. Ferrous sulfate - Iron supplement. Fertilization - Joining of the sperm and egg; conception. Fertilization age - Dating a pregnancy from the time of fertilization; 2 weeks shorter than the gestational age. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) - Birth defects in an infant born to a mother whose alcoholic intake persisted during pregnancy. Infant will have physical abnormalities and/or mental deficiencies. Fetal anomaly - Fetal malformation or abnormal development. Fetal arrhythmia - See arrhythmia.

Fetal distress - Problems with the baby that occur before birth or during labor. These endanger the baby and require immediate delivery. Fetal monitor - Device used before or during labor to listen to and to record the fetal heartbeat. Can be external monitoring (through maternal abdomen) or internal monitoring (through maternal vagina) of the baby inside the uterus. Fetal period - Time period following the embryonic period (first 10 weeks of gestation or 8 weeks of development) until birth. Fetal-growth retardation - See intrauterine-growth retardation. Fetus - Refers to the unborn baby from 10 weeks of gestation until birth, Forceps - Special instrument placed around the baby's head, inside the birth canal, to help guide the baby out of the birth canal during delivery. Frank breech - Baby presenting buttocks first. Legs are flexed and knees extended. Fraternal twins - See dizygotic twins. Full-term infant - Baby born between 38 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. G Genetic counseling - Consultation between a couple and a specialist about genetic defects and the possibility of presence or recurrence of genetic problems in a pregnancy. Genital herpes simplex - Herpes simplex infection involving the genital area.

Gestation - Pregnancy. Gestational age - Dating a pregnancy from the first day of the last menstrual period; 2 weeks longer than fertilization age. See fertilization age. Gestational diabetes - Occurrence or worsening of diabetes during pregnancy. Globulin - Family of proteins from plasma or serum of the blood. Glucose-tolerance test - Blood test done to evaluate the body's response to sugar. Blood is drawn at intervals following ingestion of a sugary substance. Glucosuria - Glucose in the urine. Gonorrhea - Contagious venereal infection, transmitted primarily by intercourse. Caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea. Group-B streptococcal infection (GBS) - Serious infection occurring in the mother's vagina and throat. H Habitual miscarriage - Occurrence of three or more miscarriages. Heartburn - Discomfort or pain that occurs in the chest. Often occurs after eating. Hematocrit - Measurement of the proportion of blood cells to plasma. Important in diagnosing anemia. Hemoglobin - Pigment in red blood cell that carries oxygen to body tissues. Hemolytic disease - Destruction of red blood cells. See anemia.

Hemorrhoids - Dilated blood vessels in the rectum or rectal canal. High-risk pregnancy - Pregnancy with complications that requires special medical attention, often from a specialist. Also see perinatologist. Homans' sign - Pain caused by flexing the ankle when a person has a blood clot in the lower leg. Human chorionic gonadatropin (HCG) - Hormone produced in early pregnancy. Measured in a pregnancy test. Hydramnios - Increased amniotic fluid. Hydrocephalus - Excessive accumulation of fluid around the brain of the baby. Sometimes called water on the brain. Hyperbilirubinemia - Extremely high level of bilirubin in the blood. Hyperemesis gravidarum - Severe nausea, dehydration and vomiting during pregnancy. Occurs most frequently during the first trimester. May require brief hospitalization. Hyperglycemia - Increased blood sugar. Hypertension, pregnancy-induced - High blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy. Defined by an increase in the diastolic or systolic blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism - Elevation of the thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Hypoglycemia - Decreased or lowered blood sugar.

Hypoplasia - Defective or incomplete development or formation of tissue. Hypotension - Low blood pressure. Hypothyroidism - Low or inadequate levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. I Identical twins - See monozygotic twins. Immune globulin preparation. - Substance used to protect against infection with certain diseases, such as hepatitis or measles. Incompetent cervix - Cervix that dilates painlessly, without contractions. Incomplete miscarriage - Miscarriage in which part, but not all, of the uterine contents are expelled. Indigestion - Inability to digest food or difficulty digesting food. Induced labor - Labor started by doctor, usually with oxytocin (Pitocin). Inevitable miscarriage - Pregnancy complicated with bleeding and cramping. Results in miscarriage. Insulin - Peptide hormone made by the pancreas. It promotes the use of glucose. Intrauterine-growth retardation (IUGR) - Inadequate growth of the fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy. Also called fetal-growth retardation. In utero - Within the uterus. In vitro - Outside the body.

Iron-deficiency anemia - Anemia produced by lack of iron in the diet. Often seen in pregnancy. Also see anemia. Isoimmunization - Development of specific antibody directed at the red blood cells of another individual, such as a baby in utero. Often occurs when an Rh-negative woman carries an Rh-positive baby or when she is given Rh-positive blood. J Jaundice - Yellow staining of the skin, sclera (covering of the eyes) and deeper tissues of the body. Caused by excessive amounts of bilirubin. Treated with phototherapy. K Ketones - Breakdown product of metabolism found in the blood, particularly in starvation or uncontrolled diabetes. Kidney stone - Small mass or lesion found in the kidney or urinary tract that can block the flow of urine. L Labour - Contractions resulting in dilation of the cervix to make possible the delivery of a fetus. Laparoscopy - Surgical procedure performed for tubal ligation, diagnosis of pelvic pain, diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy and other procedures. Leukorrhea - Vaginal discharge characterized by a white or yellowish color. Primarily composed of mucus. Lightening - Dropping or descent of fetus into the pelvis before or during labour.

Linea nigra - Line of increased pigmentation running down the abdomen from the bellybutton to the pubic area during pregnancy, Lochia - Vaginal discharge that occurs after delivery of the baby and placenta. L/S ratio - Measurement of the relationship of two substances, lecithin and spingomyelin, in the amniotic fluid. Results give a doctor an indication of the maturity of the baby's lungs. Lupus - See systemic lupus erythematosus. Lyme disease - Infection transmitted to humans by ticks. M Mammogram - X-ray study of the breasts to identify normal or abnormal breast tissue. Mask of pregnancy - Increased pigmentation over the area of the face under each eye. Commonly has the appearance of a butterfly. Meconium - First intestinal discharge of the newborn; green or yellow in color. It consists of epithelial or surface cells, mucus and bile. Discharge may occur before or during labor or soon after birth. Melanoma - Pigmented mole or tumor, which may or may not be cancerous.

Meningomyelocele - Congenital defect of the central nervous system of the baby in which membranes and the spinal cord protrude through an opening or defect in the vertebral column. Menstrual age - See gestational age. Menstruation - Regular or periodic discharge of a bloody fluid from the uterus, Microcephaly - Abnormally small development of the fetal head. Milk letdown - Tingling or cramping in woman's breast, experienced when breast milk flows into the breast ducts. Miscarriage - End of pregnancy. Giving birth to an embryo or fetus before it can live outside the womb, usually defined as before 20 weeks of gestation. Missed miscarriage - Failed pregnancy, without bleeding or cramping. Often diagnosed by ultrasound weeks or months after a pregnancy fails. Monilial vulvovaginitis - Infection caused by yeast or monilia. Usually affects the vagina and vulva. Monozygotic twins - Twins conceived from one egg. Often called identical twins. Morning sickness - Nausea and vomiting, primarily during the first trimester of pregnancy. Also see hyperemesis gravidarum. Mucus plug - Secretions in cervix; often released just before labour.

N Natural childbirth - Labor and delivery in which no medication is used, and the mother remains awake to help deliver the baby. The woman may or may not have taken classes to prepare her for labor and delivery. Neural-tube defects - Abnormalities in the development of the spinal cord and brain in a fetus. Also see anencephaly; hydrocephalus;spina bifida. Nonstress test - Test in which movements of the baby felt by the mother are recorded, along with changes in the fetal heart rate, to assess well-being of fetus after 32 weeks of pregnancy. Nurse-midwife - Nurse who has received extra training in the care of pregnant patients and the delivery of babies. O Obstetrician - Physician who specializes in the care of pregnant women and the delivery of babies. Oligohydramnios - Lack or deficiency of amniotic fluid. Opioids - Synthetic compounds with effects similar to those of opium. Ovarian cycle - Regular production of hormones from the ovary in response to hormonal messages from the brain. The ovarian cycle governs the endometrial cycle. Ovulation - Cyclic production of an egg from the ovary. Ovulatory age - See fertilization age.

Oxytocin - Medication that causes uterine contractions; used to induce labour. P Palmar erythema - Redness of palms of the hands. Pap smear - Routine screening test that evaluates presence of premalignant or cancerous conditions of the cervix. Paracervical block - Local anesthetic for the relief of pain of cervical dilation. Pediatrician - Physician who specializes in the care of infants and children. Perinatologist - Physician who specializes in the care of high-risk pregnancies. Perineum - Area between the anus and the vagina. Phosphatidyl glycerol - Lipoprotein present in amniotic fluid when fetal lungs are mature. Phospholipids - Fat-containing phosphorous compounds. The most important are lecithins and sphingomyelin, which are important in the maturation of fetal lungs before birth, Phototherapy - Treatment for jaundice in a newborn infant. See jaundice. Placenta - Organ inside the uterus that is attached to the baby by the umbilical cord. Essential during pregnancy for growth and development of the embryo and fetus. Also called afterbirth when it is expelled following birth of baby.

Placenta previa - Low attachment of the placenta, very close to or covering the cervix. Placental abruption - Premature separation of the placenta from the uterus. Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs. Polyhydramnios - See hydramnios. Postdate birth - Baby born 2 weeks or more past its due date. Postmature baby - Pregnancy of more than 42 weeks gestation. Postpartum blues - Mild depression after delivery. Postpartum depression - Depression after delivery. Postpartum hemorrhage - Bleeding greater than 17 ounces (500ml) at time of delivery. Post-term baby - See postdate birth. Pre-eclampsia - Combination of symptoms significant to pregnancy, including high blood pressure, edema, protein in the urine and changes in reflexes. Pregnancy diabetes - See gestational diabetes. Premature delivery - Delivery before 38 weeks gestation. Prenatal care - Program of care for a pregnant woman before the birth of her baby. Prepared childbirth - Term used when woman has taken classes to know what to expect during labor and delivery.

She may request pain medication if she feels she needs it. Presentation - Describes which part of the baby comes into the birth canal first. Preterm birth - See premature delivery. Propylthiouracil - Medication used to treat thyroid disease. Proteinuria - Protein in urine. Pruritis gravidarum - Itching during pregnancy. Pubis symphysis - Bony prominence in the pelvic bone found in the midline. Landmark from which the doctor often measures during pregnancy to follow growth of the uterus. Pudendal block - Local anesthesia for pain relief during labor. Pulmonary embolism - Blood clot from another part of the body that travels to the lungs. Can cause closed passages in the lungs and a decrease in oxygen exchange. Pyelonephritis - Serious kidney infection. Quickening - Feeling the baby move inside the uterus. R Radiation therapy - Method of treatment for various cancers. Rh-negative - Absence of rhesus antibody in the blood. RhoGAM - Medication given during pregnancy and following delivery to prevent isoimmunization. Also see isoimmunization. Rh-sensitivity - See isoimmunization.

Round-ligament pain - Pain caused by stretching of the ligaments on either side of the uterus during pregnancy. Rupture of membranes - Loss of fluid from the amniotic sac. Also called breaking of waters. S Seizure - Sudden onset of a convulsion. Sexually transmitted disease (STD) - Infection transmitted through sexual intercourse. Sickle-cell anemia - Anemia caused by abnormal red blood cells shaped like a sickle or a cylinder. Occurs most often in people of African or Mediterranean descent. Sickle-cell trait - Presence of the trait for sickle-cell anemia; not sickle-cell disease itself. Sickle crisis - Painful episode caused by sickle-cell disease. Skin tag - Flap or extra buildup of skin. Sodium - Element found in many foods, particularly salt. Ingestion of too much sodium may cause fluid retention. Spina bifida - Congenital abnormality characterized by a defect in the vertebral column. Membranes of the spinal cord and the spinal cord itself protrude outside the protective bony canal of the spine. Spinal anesthesia - Anesthesia given in the spinal canal. Spontaneous miscarriage - Loss of pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of gestation.

Stasis - Decreased flow. Station - Estimation of the descent of the baby in the birth canal. Steroids - Medications of hormone origin used to treat various diseases. Include estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and prednisone. Stillbirth - Death of baby before it is born, after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Stress test - Test in which mild contractions of the mother's uterus are induced; fetal heart rate in response to the contractions is noted. Stretch marks - Areas of the skin that are torn or stretched. Often occur on the mother's abdomen, breasts, buttocks and legs. Striae distensa - See stretch marks. Surfactant - Substance in the lungs that controls surface tension of lungs. Premature babies often lack sufficient amounts of surfactant to breathe without assistance. Syphilis - Sexually transmitted venereal infection. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - Connective-tissue disorder common in women in the reproductive ages. Antibodies made by the person act against person's own tissues. T Tay-Sachs disease - Inherited disease characterized by mental and physical retardation, convulsions, enlargement of the head and eventual death. Trait is usually carried by Ashkenazi Jews.

Telangiectasias - Dilation or swelling of a small blood vessel. Sometimes called an angioma. During pregnancy, a common name is spider angioma. Teratogen - A substance that causes abnormal development. Teratology - Branch of science that deals with teratogens and their effects. Thalassemia - Group of inherited disorders of hemoglobin metabolism, which results in a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin formed. Found most commonly in people of Mediterranean descent. Threatened miscarriage - Bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy without cramping or contractions. Thrombosis - Formation of a blood clot (thrombus). Thrush - Monilial or yeast infection occurring in the mouth or mucous membranes of a newborn infant. Thyroid disease - Abnormality of the thyroid gland and its production of thyroid hormone. Also see hyperthyroidism; hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone - Chemical made in the thyroid that affects the entire body. Thyroid panel - Series of blood tests done to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) - Hormone made in the brain that stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone.

Tocolytic agents - Medications to stop labor. Toxemia - See pre-eclampsia. Toxic strep A - Bacterial infection that can cause severe damage; usually starts in a cut on the skin, not as a sore throat, and spreads very quickly. It can involve the entire body. Toxoplasmosis - Infection caused by toxoplasma gondii. Can be contracted from handling raw meat or cat feces. Transverse lie - Situation in which fetus is turned sideways in uterus. Trichomonal vaginitis - Venereal infection caused by trichomonas. Trimester - Method of dividing pregnancy into three equal time periods of about 13 weeks each. Tubal pregnancy - See ectopic pregnancy. U Umbilical cord - Cord containing blood vessels that connects the placenta to the developing baby. It removes waste products and carbon dioxide from the baby and brings oxygenated blood and nutrients from the mother through the placenta to the baby. Umbilicus - Bellybutton. Ureters - Tubes that drain urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urinary calculi - See kidney stones. Uterus - Organ in which an embryo/fetus grows. Also called a womb.

V Vaccine - Dose of medication given to a person to cause production of antibodies to protect against subsequent infections. Vacuum extractor - Soft rubber device used to provide traction on fetal head to aid in delivery. Varicose veins - Blood vessels (veins) that are dilated or enlarged, most often found in the legs. Vascular spiders - See telangiectasias. VBAC - Vaginal birth after Cesarean. Vena cava - Major vein in the body that empties into the right atrium of the heart. It returns unoxygenated blood to the heart for transport to the lungs. Venereal warts - See condyloma acuminatum. Vernix - Fatty substance made up of epithelial cells that covers fetal skin inside the uterus. Vertex presentation - Head first. Obstetrics | definition of obstetrics by Medical dictionary Obstetrics | definition of obstetrics by Medical dictionary obstetrics [ob-stet´riks] the branch of health science dealing with pregnancy, labor, and the puerperium. adj., adj obstet´ric, obstet´rical. ob·stet·rics (OB), (ob-stet'riks), Synonym(s): tocology [L.

obstetrix, a midwife, fr. ob-sto, to stand before, denoting the position formerly taken by the midwife] obstetrics /ob·stet·rics/ (ob-stet´riks) the branch of medicine dealing with pregnancy, labor, and the puerperium.obstet´ricobstet´rical obstetrics (ŏb-stĕt′rĭks, əb-) n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The branch of medicine that deals with the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the recuperative period following delivery. obstetrics (OB) [əbstet′riks] Etymology: L, obstetrix, midwife the branch of medicine concerned with pregnancy and childbirth, including the study of the physiological and pathological function of the female reproductive tract and the care of the mother and fetus throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postpartum period. obstetric, obstetrical, adj. obstetrics The art and science of managing pregnancy, labor and post-delivery of the mother. See High-risk obstetrics, Naturopathic obstetrics .

ob·stet·rics (ob-stet'riks) The specialty of medicine concerned with the care of women during pregnancy, parturition, and the puerperium. [L. obstetrix, a midwife, fr. ob-sto, to stand before, denoting the position formerly taken by the midwife] obstetrics The branch of medicine concerned with childbirth and with the care of the woman from the onset of pregnancy until about 6 weeks after the birth, when the reproductive organs have returned to normal. ob·stet·rics (OB) (ob-stet'riks) The specialty of medicine concerned with the care of women during pregnancy, parturition, and the puerperium. [L. obstetrix, a midwife, fr. ob-sto, to stand before, denoting the position formerly taken by the midwife] obstetrics (obstet´riks), n the branch of medicine concerned with pregnancy and childbirth, including the study of the physiologic and pathologic function of the female reproductive tract and the care of the mother and fetus throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postpartum period.

obstetrics classically in human medicine the branch of medical science dealing with pregnancy, labor and the puerperium. In the veterinary context it is usually limited to the care of the dam and the unborn young during a parturition that cannot be completed, or has slowed to the point that the life of one or both patients is at risk. Obstetrics - definition of obstetrics by The Free Dictionary Obstetrics - definition of obstetrics by The Free Dictionary (ŏb-stĕt′rĭks, əb-) n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The branch of medicine that deals with the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the recuperative period following delivery. obstetrics (ɒbˈstɛtrɪks) n (Gynaecology & Obstetrics) (functioning as singular) the branch of medicine concerned with childbirth and the treatment of women before and after childbirth ob•stet•rics (əbˈstɛ trɪks) n. (used with a sing. v.) the branch of medical science concerned with childbirth and caring for and treating women in or in connection with childbirth.

[1810–20] The branch of medicine that deals with the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth. obstetrics the branch of medicine that deals with prenatal and postnatal care and with the delivery of a child. — obstetrician, n. — obstetric, obstetrical, adj. See also: Birth the branch of medicine that specializes in care of women before, during and after childbirth. — obstetrician, n. — obstetric, obstetrical, adj.

midwifery , tocology , OB induction of labor - (obstetrics) inducing the childbirth process artificially by administering oxytocin or by puncturing the amniotic sac presentation - (obstetrics) position of the fetus in the uterus relative to the birth canal; "Cesarean sections are sometimes the result of abnormal presentations" incompetent cervix - (obstetrics) uterine cervix that becomes dilated before term and without labor often resulting in miscarriage or premature birth medical specialty , medicine - the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques fetology , foetology - the branch of medicine concerned with the fetus in the uterus perinatology - the branch of obstetrics concerned with the anatomy and physiology and diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the mother and the fetus or newborn baby during late pregnancy and childbirth and the puerperium nullipara - (obstetrics) a woman who has never give birth to a child gravida I , primigravida - (obstetrics) a woman who is pregnant for the first time para I , primipara - (obstetrics) woman who has been delivered of a child for the first time quadripara - (obstetrics) woman who has given

 birth to a viable infant in each of four pregnancies quintipara - (obstetrics) woman who has given birth to a viable infant in each of five pregnancies para , parity - (obstetrics) the number of liveborn children a woman has delivered; "the parity of the mother must be considered"; "a bipara is a woman who has given birth to two children" Translations Physician Listings and Information – Sweetwater Hospital Association 304 Wright Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology The branch of medicine concerned with the care of a woman during her pregnancy, delivery (parturition), and recovery from childbirth (puerperium).

Gynecology is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases unique to the female genital tract, endocrine system, and reproductive system. Contact Information: Telephone (865) 213-8592 Fax:(865) 213-8598 Board Certified Practice includes General Obstetrics and Gynecology, including Gynecologic Surgery, Laparoscopy and Bladder Suspensions.Accepting New Patients David J. Creutzinger, M.D. What does Obstetrics mean? This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word Obstetrics Princeton's WordNet(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: obstetrics, OB, tocology, midwifery(noun) the branch of medicine dealing with childbirth and care of the mother GCIDE(2.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition: Obstetrics(n.) The branch of medicine that deals with childbirth or the care of women in parturition, or in the trouble incident to childbirth. Origin: [Cf. F. obsttrique.

See Obstetric.] Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: obstetrics(Noun) The care of women during and after pregnancy Webster Dictionary(1.50 / 2 votes)Rate this definition: Obstetrics(noun) the science of midwifery; the art of assisting women in parturition, or in the trouble incident to childbirth Origin: [Cf. F. obsttrique. See Obstetric.] Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition: Obstetrics Obstetrics is the medical specialty dealing with the care of all women's reproductive tracts and their children during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Many obstetricians are also gynecologists, meaning they perform in both specialties. In the United States, these physicians are commonly referred to as OB/GYNs. U.S. National Library of Medicine(1.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition: Obstetrics A medical-surgical specialty concerned with management and care of women during pregnancy, parturition, and the puerperium.

Numerology The numerical value of Obstetrics in Chaldean Numerology is: 7 Pythagorean Numerology Birth dictionary definition | birth defined LINK / CITE ADD TO WORD LIST A woman holding her baby just after giving birth. adjective The definition of birth is related biologically. An example of birth used as an adjective is birth mother. noun Birth is defined as a baby emerging from a mother's womb or the start of something. When a pregnant woman delivers a baby and the child comes from her womb out of the birth canal into the world, this is an example of birth. When two friends are sitting around and one of them has an idea to start a company, which they then go on to start, the initial conversation about the company is an example of the birth of the company. verb Birth is the act of having a newborn travel from your womb through the birth canal and out into the world. When a pregnant woman has contractions, goes to the hospital and has her baby delivered, this is an example of a situation where she births the baby. birth Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; see bher-1 in Indo-European roots.

birth See also mother ; pregnancy amniomancy a form of divination by examining the embryonic sac or amniotic fluid. autogeny the spontaneous generation of an organism in an inorganic fluid medium. —autogenous, autogenic, autogonic, autogonous, adj. —autogenously, autogonously, adv. digoneutism the ability to produce two broods in a year. —digoneutic, adj. epigenesis the theory that embryonic development is totally controlled by the cell’s environment. Cf. syngenesis. —epigenesist, n. —epigenetic, adj. epimorphosis development of an organism or form of animal life in which body segmentation is complete before hatching. —epimorphic, adj. fetation the development of a fetus; gestation. geniture Obsolete, birth; the process of generation. gestation 1. the process of carrying in the womb. 2. fetation; the process of development of the fetus in the womb. gravidity pregnancy. —gravid, adj. hysterology scientific study of the uterus. Lamaze technique psychoprophylaxis.

maieusiophobia tocophobia. midwifery the prineiples and practice of a midwife. Cf. tocology. multiparity the condition or process of producing more than one offspring at one birth. —multiparous, adj. nativity 1. the time, place, and circumstances of a person’s birth. 2. the configuration of the planets at the time of a person’s birth and a representation, as a chart, of that configuration. nulliparity the condition in a woman of never having given birth. —nullipara, n. —nulliparous, adj. obstetrics the branch of medicine that deals with prenatal and postnatal care and with the delivery of a child. —obstetrician, n. —obstetric, obstetrical, adj. omphalomancy a form of divination in which the number of knots in a newborn’s umbilical cord are counted to foretell the number of children the mother will have later. omphalotomy the surgical process of dividing the umbilical cord. oviparism the bearing of offspring by laying eggs that mature outside of the body. —oviparity, n. —oviparous, adj.

ovoviviparism the bearing of offspring by producing eggs that mature within the body, with the young born alive. —ovoviviparity, n. —ovoviviparous, adj. oxytocic a substance or drug that induces or stimulates childbirth. —oxytocic, adj. palingenesis 1. partial or complete regeneration. 2. the doctrine that a soul passes through several bodies in a series of rebirths. Also palingenesia, palingenesy. —palingenetic, adj. parity the state, quality, or fact of having given birth to or having borne offspring. parturiency the state or condition of bringing forth young or being about to begin parturition. —parturient, adj. parturition childbirth; the act or process of giving birth. —parturient, adj. primigravida a woman who is pregnant for the first time. primipara a woman who has given birth to one child or who is giving birth for the first time. —primiparity, n. —primiparous, adj.

psychoprophylaxis a method of preparing women for childbirth without anesthetic, by means of education, psychological and physical conditioning, and breathing exercises. Also called Lamaze technique. —psychoprophylactic, adj. puerperium the state or condition of a woman during and immediately following childbirth. —puerperal, adj. recrudescence the process of renewal or rebirth. —recrudescent, adj. regeneracy the act or quality of being renewed, reformed, or reborn, especially in a spiritual rebirth. —regenerate, adj. regenesis the act or process of renewal or rebirth. secundigravida a woman who is pregnant for the second time. spermicide a substance or preparation used for killing sperm, used in contraception. —spermicidal, adj. superfetation a conception occurring after the onset of a pregnancy from an earlier conception. syngenesis the theory that the form and development of the embryo are the result of the combined influence of sperm and egg. Cf. epigenesis. —syngenetic, adj. thoracopagus a fetal abnormality, consisting of twins joined at the thorax.

tocology , tokology the science of obstetrics or midwifery. —tocologist, tokologist, n. —tocological, tokological, adj. tocophobia, tokophobia an abnormal fear of childbirth. Also called maieusiophobia. unigravida primigravida. uterogestation the process of gestation taking place in the womb from conception to birth. vasectomy surgical excision of part of the vas deferens, the duet which carries sperm from the testes, performed as a form of male contraception. viviparism the bearing of living offspring, characteristic of almost all mammals, many reptiles, and some fishes. —viviparity, n. —viviparous, adj. birth

Question: Which word beginning with 'o' is the branch of medical science that deals with pregnancy and childbirth?
Answer: OBSTETRICS